“Moving like birds”: A qualitative study of population mobility and health implications in the Bijagós Islands, Guinea Bissau

A qualitative study of the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau, reveals that population mobility—both within and between islands—plays a significant role in infectious disease transmission. Researchers identified five key drivers for movement: subsistence activities, family events, income-generating work, cultural festivities, and healthcare needs. Unlike permanent migration, these movements often last several months and occur erratically year-round, with seasonal exceptions for agricultural purposes. The study highlights that short-term mobility could significantly impact the spread of diseases with short incubation periods, while predictable movements like seasonal agriculture should inform public health interventions to enhance their reach. This work provides a foundational understanding of human mobility patterns in the archipelago, offering critical insights for disease control strategies.

Durrans, S., Last, A., Boiro, H., Goncalves, A., Mabey, D., & Greenland, K. (2019). “Moving like birds”: A qualitative study of population mobility and health implications in the Bijagós Islands, Guinea Bissau. Social Science & Medicine, 230, 204–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.03.019